This lively city in Crete is ideal for couples seeking a romantic break, families looking for great beaches, and walkers who love beautiful scenery, challenging treks and amazing flora and fauna.Chania | from iStock
Overlooked by the White Mountains, Chania is known as the spiritual capital of Crete and has two distinctive parts - the vibrant modern area with shops and bars, and the old town area with its ancient buildings, labyrinth of alleys and busy, friendly atmosphere.
Getting there/around Chania
Arrive at Chania Ioannis Daskalogiannis airport, just 10 km from Chania. To see more of the island, hire a car, but watch out for bumpy roads in some of the more remote areas. Crete is a popular island for cycling and walking, particularly in the spring when the wildflowers are absolutely stunning.
Chania beaches
From Chania to Colympari there is 35km of sandy beach, so choose your spot. Malia is known for its sandy (and busy) Dolphin and Agapi beaches and the quieter family favourite, Tropical. Another much-loved spot is the beautiful beach at Stalis, a short taxi ride from Hersonissos. Or head for the crystal-clear waters and many palm trees at Preveli beach, Rethymnon.
Paleochora is a great seaside area with a beach famous for thick sand - and large crowds - on the west side. If you head to the east side, you'll enjoy good swimming and a pebbly beach. Loutro village beach is a brilliant snorkelling spot, with clear waters and masses of sea life to spot. Do watch out for the speedboats though.
Chania sightseeing
If you can get up early enough – or are still out from the night before – head to the Venetian Harbour and find an all night café where you can grab a coffee and sit and watch the moon fade and the sun rise.
Stroll along the harbour wall to the Venetian Lighthouse, while just 30 minutes in the Maritime Museum will teach you masses about Crete's past. Enjoy the feel of Venice and Florence in the older part of town before visiting the port and the craft shops.
Family attractions in Chania
The beaches here are the main attraction and if the children aren't particularly interested in the historic buildings, twisting alleys and great views, take them along to the water park at Limnoupolis for an exciting slide and splash day.
The gardens near Chania centre next to the park are pretty, and there's a small zoo here too. There is plenty of activities from hiring bicycles to snorkelling to learning to windsurf.
Day trips from Chania
Crete is the largest Greek island and there's a lot to explore. Elafonissi Lagoon is one of the best known beaches in Crete with its pinky sand and fabulous sunsets. It's about an hour from Chania. Aim to arrive about 4pm when the crowds start disappearing.
If you're feeling fit, head to the Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe and second in the world to the Grand Canyon. It is a stunning walk along a rocky path cutting through the White Mountains while eagles soar above, and is only accessible when the water is low in the summer.
Film buffs can head to Spinalonga Island, which boasts the ruins of a Venetian Fortress and Leper Colony. It makes a good day trip.
Eating out in Chania
Chania is a major package holiday destination – but not exclusively so – and it tries hard to offer something for everyone.There are plenty of places for pizza and pasta however, and the local cuisine is excellent. This includes masses of extremely fresh fish, bean soups and salads, home-baked breads, moussaka, tsatziki dip, kalamari, bifteki (hamburger,) patates psites (roast potatoes with lemon) and gyros (similar to a doner kebab.)
Chania nightlife
Chania town has a great variety of nightlife with everything from sports bars and quiet restaurants to traditional Cretan dancing, usually watched while downing a glass of local drink raki. There are several clubs to dance the night away in the town but those at quieter villages and seaside towns will find nightlife pretty restricted. Malia is one of the livelier night spots.
Chania shopping
There are masses of craft shops - look out for traditional woven silks, rugs and blankets along with embroidered tablecloths, leather goods, ceramics, silverware, and jewellery. The new town area is the chic part of Chania, with lots of boutiques and it's easy to pick up a great fashion bargain here.
Check out the really good shopping in Heraklion. Along with olive oil and honey, most tourists take home at least one bottle of raki.
If you like Chania, read the following travel guides:
